A FIRE has broken out on hills near Rivington.

Seven appliances were called to the scene off Sheep House Lane just after 5pm.

Images taken by a drone in the air show the blaze spreading across the moors as firefighters work to bring the fire under control.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire, Justin Johnston, said that the wildfire might have occurred given the long dry spell of weather.

On his Twitter, he said: "We currently have seven fire engines and approx 35 firefighters fighting wildfires above Rivington.”

Station manager Chris Wareing from Burnley Fire Station said: “We have United Utilities and members of Bolton Mountain Rescue helping with the operation.

”There are a number of specialist units working on the fire.

”The cause has not been determined and will be working to find that out when the fire is extinguished.

”We are dealing with the direction on two fronts. 

“There are 10 firefighters working on the one on the top.

”We are hoping to leave the scene in the next few hours.”

The blaze can be seen around Chorley.